Pembrokeshire rugby previews for Saturday, January 12th:

WRU Championship:

Bedlinog v Narberth

The cup trip to St Helen's proved a worthwhile one for Narberth last week. They went down 27-10 but put in a big display up front, and Alex Jenkins and co had the upper hand in the set piece.

So there shouldn't be any momentum lost for this trip to Bedlinog, who they beat 58-27 earlier in the season. Trying to catch Pontypool is futile and the title race is basically over, but The Otters now have to target another second placed finish. That would be creditable.

There are changes from the game in Swansea, with Jack Price back in the centre. Scrum half Matthew Morgan, who played well off the bench last week, stays in the squad.

Narberth: Ianto Griffiths, Nick Gale, Kieran Jones, Jack Price, Will Lewis, Jonathan Rogers, Rhys Lane, Tom Kaijaks, Rhodri Owens, Tom Slater, Ryan Bean, Alex Jenkins (capt), Andrew Cooke, Tom Powell, Rich Rees. Replacements: Dan Jacobs, Harry Phillips, Steffan Phillips, Matthew Morgan, Gethin Gibby.

Division One West:

Felinfoel v Crymych

That clash with Whitland would have taken a lot out of Crymych last week, but it was proof they can win ugly as well as playing pretty rugby. And a bonus was yet another local youngster, Hari Williams, proving his worth at senior level.

But here comes the biggest test of their recent upsurge in form.

League leaders Felinfoel were winning 25-10 when their match with Aber was abandoned last week, and although they were pushed all the way when beating the Preseli Men 25-21 in September, they are unbeaten at home.

Crymych can play, there is no doubt about that and winger Laurence Headlam is in sharp form. But once again, they will need fight as well as flair to prevail here.

Gowerton v Tenby United

It was bittersweet for Tenby last week. They proved they can score tries with a bonus point against Yr Hendy - but once again shipped them in an eventual 66-28 defeat.

They ran Gowerton close at home before losing 26-14, and must be wary of the boot of Paul Spowart who landed three crucial penalties for the Swansea side that day.

The Tenby centre pairing of Moritz Neuman and and Jack Parkinson did punch holes last week but Gareth Thomas will know that while his side must show the same intensity in attack - they have to shore up defensively to threaten that elusive league win here.

They will have to overcome the absence of Luke Dedman though, away on holiday, while Jack Parkinson has signed for Pembroke.

Tenby United: Jack Tucker, Connor Ennis, Shane Rossiter, Moritz Neumann, Mark Hamilton, Lloyd Thomas, Ben Pugh, Ethan Morgan, Dan Allan, Rob Luly, Charlie Patching, Tom Barrass, Jack Broadhurst, Mike Davies, Roy Osborn (capt). Replacements: Rob Clarke, Jack Davies, Rob Tuttle, Dan Thomas, Danny Wainwright.

Yr Hendy v Whitland

Given they had not played since December 1st, Whitland could at least be pleased with the cohesion shown in Crymych last week, despite the agonising loss.

Back rowers Ryan Morgan and Jack Mason stood out with ball in hand (although both drop to the bench this Saturday) and to stop the Preseli Men from scoring a try represented a big defensive effort.

But they must pick themselves up to play the side promoted with them last year, Yr Hendy. The home side are in form with seven straight league wins, including running riot at Heywood Lane on Saturday. They have also beaten The Borderers in their last two meetings.

James Stephenson and Nico Setaro will switch places at outside half and full back and it's the ols experienced duo in the second row - Dai Ebsworth and Raff Williams. Winger Liam Price also switches into the centre.

Whitland: James Stephenson, Scott Candler, Liam Price, Josh Thomas, Geraint Jones, Nico Setaro, Adam Davies, Aaron Mayne, Marc Jones, Jimmy Buirds, Raff Williams, Dai Ebsworth, Ben Kirk, Danny Evans, James Thomas. Replacements: Tomos Evans, Courtney Bowman, Jack Mason, Ryan Morgan, Jamie Thomas.

Division Two West:

Burry Port v Pembroke

Pembroke were at their best in the second half against Carmarthen Athletic last week, and the displays of players like Rhys Mainwaring and Jack Smythe underlined their current squad depth. The signing of Parkinson is a futher boost.

Having said that, the loss of prop Jamie Kaijaks to injury is a blow.

But they have a point to prove here against a Burry Port side that won 15-13 in Crickmarren - a game The Scarlets felt they threw away.

The Llanelli team also beat Fishguard 35-24 last week and have made a habit of sneaking tight games, and the visitors must be clinical if they get the chance to put the game to bed tomorrow.

And with leaders Penclawdd to follow, a win here is crucial to their promotion hopes.

Fishguard v Tumble

After the afore mentioned loss against Burry Port, Fishguard have to win here.

From their eight league defeats, five of them have been by two points or less and the league position right now could be so much different.

Again there were positives in Llanelli, with Ed Bendall showing his finishing prowess with two tries and Ben John continuing to impress since switching into the pack.

But Tumble have won just one league game and that was back on September 8th. Coaches Nathan Jenkins and Simon James won't settle for another bonus point defeat at The Moors.

Tycroes v St Clears

St Clears have suddenly picked up and pushed leaders Penclawdd hard before claiming a losing bonus point last week.

But despite having three games in hand, they are 13 points off Mumbles and safety and this can't just be a brief renaissance. 

Will Davies is in try scoring form and centre Shane Morgan also stood out last week, and all round the Carmarthenshire Saints appear more resolute.

Plus, they actually beat Tycroes 14-0 at home so despite the hosts winning 19-17 in Mumbles on Saturday, the visitors can arrive with new found confidence.

And they can ill afford to return home with nothing.

Division Three West A:

Laugharne v Milford Haven

Two teams who ran riot against Llangwm and St Davids last week - but those results will count for nothing tomorrow.

Unlike Saturday, there will be two organised and physical defences on show and no quarter will be given. Laugharne trail Milford by 13 points with a game in hand and if they want to target the title - simply have to win. The Mariners meanwhile, will know prevailing here will leave them a minimum of 14 points clear of Aberaeron ahead of another crucial clash between the two next week. It would be a significant cushion.

Despite scoring 119 points, Nathan Williams has made changes for The Mariners with himself, Steve Martin, Mark Wonnacott, and Chris Hall among those back in the starting XV. New prop Zac France-Miller goes straight into the front row.

Laugharne's Tom Jameson was again clinical with a try hat trick in that 83-0 win at Pill Parks, and I suspect the home backline will favour an open game. But getting the platform to have that against a Milford pack won't be easy.

The Cocklemen won a thrilling game in injury time when these two met here last season. Should be just as intense tomorrow.

Milford Haven: Steve Martin, Jamie Lewis (capt), Dan Jenkins, Dan Birch, James Trueman, Efan Morgan, Daniel McClelland, Zac France Miller, Luke Ryan, Nathan Williams, Chris Hall, Dewi Williams, Ben Groves, Ryan Mansell, Mark Wonnacott. Replacements: Ben Jenkins, David Round, Brandon Cooper, Craig Thomas, Lee Riley.

Llanybydder v Pembroke Dock Quins

Llanybydder lost a thrilling match with Neyland last Saturday, despite a try hat trick from No 8 Richard Jones. They will want to bounce bac here against a side they have already beaten 48-24 at Bierspool this season.

That was in fact the only try bonus point The Quins have had this season which should give them hope tomorrow. But after that great win over Neyland, they shipped 88 points to Haverfordwest last week and a similar defensive display in Carmarthen will mean another heavy loss.

They haven't travelled well this season, and must buck that trend to compete here.

Neyland v Cardigan

It was a tremendous show of resilience from Neyland to win that game against The Bydder last week, especially given their squad included three father/son combinations!

But they desperately need players back fit, as being that short of cover will eventually catch up with them.

The All Blacks continue to score tries at will though and Patrick Bellerby is currently as good as any full back in the league, and they have already beaten Cardigan 25-20 away from home.

But The Teifisiders now look a different outfit. Player coach Colin Davies is leading by example and he had two more tries in a 37-11 win over Tregaron last week, while Emyr Harries is landing important points with the boot.

This could be quite a battle.

St Davids v Haverfordwest

It was a dark day for St Davids at The Obs last week, and widespread praise for 'keeping going' shouldn't detract from that. Turning up and playing for 80 minutes should be the minimum requirement at any club.

So player coach 'Ianto' Davies must demand a show of pride tomorrow, otherwise The Blues will repeat their big win at Pembroke Dock.

Josh Atherton and Craig Barnett both had try hat tricks while Steve Williams returned at No 10 - and the veteran's distribution could be key again if the visitors find space out wide.

St Davids travelled with 16 men last week so should have better numbers at home, and must find some kind of momentum to take into a big game with Pembroke Dock the following week.

WRU Bowl Round 5:

Aberaeron v Usk

A chance for Aberaeron to move into the quarter finals and within two wins of the Principality Stadium.

Their last league game was an 8-3 win over Caridigan thanks to a try from in-form No 8 Tudur Jenkins and coach Aled Davies will demand similar commitment here. Chances to reach the national stadium don't come around very often.

On paper Usk look beatable. They are seventh in Division Three East A after a 26-22 win over Deri last week, and have lost five of nine league games this season. 

It won't be the easiest of bus trips on the winding roads to Aberaeron, and the Mid Wales team must ensure it's not the easiest of 80 minutes for them either.